BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados government says it has formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the revised International Labour Organization (ILO) Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Convention.
The document was signed by Matthew Wilson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, and Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the ILO, on Monday at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva.
The SID Convention is an international treaty that aims to improve the security, identity verification, and mobility of seafarers while ensuring their rights and facilitating their shore leave and transit.
“As a small island developing state with a large ocean footprint, Barbados is pleased to ratify the International Labour Organization Seafarers’ Identity Document Convention (Revised), 2003 – as Amended (No. 185),” said Ambassador Wilson.
He told the signing ceremony that tourism and international trade are the mainstays of Barbados’ economy, and fisheries are an essential part of its food security. He added, “This is why we focus on the sustainable use of our ocean resources and protecting all stakeholders.
“This was never more pronounced than during the COVID-19 pandemic when our country implemented several measures to support seafarers, including the extension of seafarers’ certificates and documents, the issuance of medical certificates, and flexibility in manning requirements. Barbados’ ratification of this Convention is a testimony to our commitment to seafarers’ welfare and the continuity of maritime operations.”
Houngbo thanked Barbados for its ongoing commitment to multilateralism and the work of the ILO.
The ILO Convention offers several key benefits for seafarers, shipowners, and governments in the areas of security, facilitation of movement, and industry efficiency.
ILO Convention No. 185’s key aspects include introducing a biometric-based SID with enhanced security features to prevent fraud and unauthorized access. This will also facilitate seafarers’ transit and shore leave by ensuring they have a secure, verifiable identity document.
This also strengthens maritime security by minimizing the risk of identity fraud. It also ensures seafarers with valid SID can access shore leave in foreign ports without unnecessary visa requirements. It aims to balance security concerns with seafarers’ rights to free movement and supports the global shipping industry by ensuring efficient crew changes and operations.
Barbados showed its commitment to seafarers’ rights during the COVID-19 pandemic by assisting them by facilitating crew changes, providing humanitarian support, and ensuring stranded seafarers could safely return home.
Through its policy on Crew Repatriation and Safe Harbor for Seafarers, Barbados was one of the first countries to allow crew changes, while many countries imposed strict lockdowns and port restrictions. The government said thousands of seafarers stranded on cruise ships and cargo vessels were able to disembark in Bridgetown and return home safely.
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